Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Sensitivity measures at about 94dB, which is nice
- Output levels are quite good with low distortion and compression when crossed with a subwoofer
Product Considerations
- Linearity of the speaker takes a hit, in part, to the HF boost
- Directivity in the horizontal region is poor with a narrowing response through the midrange
- Listeners sitting to the side of the speaker more than about ±15° are going to suffer from some speech intelligibility issues
- Elevated treble response rises to as much as +4dB above the average sensitivity levels above 8kHz
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Reference Premiere (RP) series, the 'II' version of the RP series generally has a more toned down treble
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-404C II center channel speaker has nice sensitivity and good output levels with low distortion when used with a subwoofer. Consider this speaker if you are sitting directly in front of it and want clear output levels.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
RP-404C II
reviews
[{"title":"Klipsch RP-404C II Center Channel Speaker Review","link":"https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/klipsch_404cii","source":"Erin's Audio Corner","datePublished":"2022"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Tweeter: 1" LTS Titanium Diaphragm
- Woofers: Four 4" Cerametallic
- Horn Design: 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix
Description
Hear every word of the dialogue and lyrics with crystal-clear precision. A new, larger 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix® horn provides incredibly efficient transfer of high-frequency waves into the listening area to create a crisper, clearer sound.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Klipsch has a long-standing design philosophy centered around horn-loaded drivers, which contributes to their products' high sensitivity and wide dynamic range.
- The brand's products often feature a distinctive aesthetic blend of retro styling with modern, high-quality materials, making them a unique addition to any listening space.
- Klipsch speakers are celebrated for their ability to deliver high volume levels, and have very unique character that audiophiles with certain tastes can really appreciate.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Reference Series
- Position: Entry-level home audio speakers for general-purpose listening.
- Description: Uses proprietary Tractrix horn-loaded technology with aluminum tweeters for clear, detailed sound. Compared to the higher-end Reference Premiere series, it offers less refined materials and slightly lower sensitivity, making it a cost-effective choice for casual listeners or smaller spaces.
The Fives
- Position: Compact powered speakers for versatile applications in modern home setups.
- Description: Include integrated amplification and Bluetooth connectivity, making them an all-in-one solution for music, TV, and PC audio. While the Reference and Reference Premiere require separate components, The Fives provide plug-and-play convenience with premium audio performance.
Reference Premiere Series
- Position: Mid-range home theater and hi-fi speakers for enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance.
- Description: Featuring titanium tweeters and Cerametallic woofers, provides better sound resolution and reduced distortion than the standard Reference series. Includes Dolby Atmos-capable models, distinguishing it as a more immersive option for home theater setups.
Heritage Series
- Position: Premium, handcrafted speakers designed for audiophiles with a focus on vintage-inspired aesthetics.
- Description: Includes iconic models like the Klipschorn and Cornwall, offering exceptional efficiency and dynamic range through fully horn-loaded designs. Unlike the Reference Premiere, the Heritage series delivers a warmer, more natural sound signature.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
276
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
13
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
46
Founding Year
1946
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Brand Page
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